It’s that time of year again where taking family photos is probably on your mind. You are either really excited about them or 100% dreading them. Which one are you?? I have been on both sides of the spectrum, trust me! However, I have learned a few things along the way that helps to create a stress-free and relaxing experience that I wanted to share with you. Today you can find 13 tips for taking family photos with toddlers too!
Our family has had a lot of practice taking family photos over the years (more than the typical family) because this is basically my job! I love including my family in my photos that I share with you all, because they are so important to me! Any chance I’m given for a family photo opportunity, I take it! It’s so fun to be able to see how much we all change, even within just a few months. I am really looking forward to taking family photos with Lucy this year! 🙂 You can see our family photos we took last year HERE.
If you are on the fence this year for taking family photos, I HIGHLY encourage you to JUST DO IT!!! Maybe you haven’t even taken photos the last few years. This is your year mama, follow these 14 tips for taking family photos and do it. You won’t look back and regret spending the money on these memories you will cherish for a lifetime.
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HOW TO PREP BEFORE FAMILY PHOTOS
1- Always pick out your outfit first – I do this because I am generally the pickiest. I want to make sure that what ever I am wearing I love and feel great in too! Once you love what you are wearing, choosing outfits for your spouse and kids will be so much easier.
2- Find coordinating colors – You don’t have to all be wearing the same color. Pick colors that flow together nicely. Luckily for Christmas photos, wearing tones like we did in these photos work. It really makes everything so easy. See below for several color schemes I love.
3- Find a photographer that captures candid shots – These end up generally being my favorite photos of them all
4- Find a photographer that is really good about working with kids – We all know that kids are so difficult on picture day, right?!! Having a photographer who can call each children by name, have toys, noise machines, etc to capture the kids attention is key!
5- Plan 2 different outfits – For us, I love planning two different outfits for our family photoshoots. I prefer a more causal, everyday look and a dressy look. It’s a great way to add more color to your walls too
TIPS FOR TAKING FAMILY PHOTOS WITH TODDLERS
1- Choose kid friendly location – Picking a location that your kids can run free without you stressing about them getting into trouble, hurt, or other people around makes for a more peaceful experience for everyone. Also keep in mind a location that you can just hop out of your car. Having to go on a trek with your kids before even snapping photos can tire everyone out!
2- Dress your kids after arriving to your destination – Be sure to plan a little extra time before the shoot is scheduled so that you can get your kids dresses once you arrive at your destination. You just never know what can happen on that quick drive to the photos. Your chances of their clothing staying clean are much higher. Pack the hair gel, extra combs, hairspray and elastics too, that way you can adjust or fix hair upon arrival.
3- Pack lots of treats – Take small little breaks in between outfit changes or when you feel your kids are getting restless. Pack their favorite treats, ones that don’t melt or make too big of a mess 🙂
4- Let your toddler run and be free – Let them be little. Let them have fun! Run after your kids, make it a game! The more fun they are having, you will be more relaxed and enjoy your time too!
5- Let Photographer hold your toddlers favorite toy – For us, I have noticed that Edison will listen to a photographer more than Brandon and I at times. Especially if the photographer has one of his favorite toys or cars. It is an easy little trick to get your child to look at the camera!
6- Have realistic expectations – Go into the photoshoot with realistic expectations. Just know that real life can happen and your toddler will probably have a tantrum or two or three. That they may not be into the photos and that is okay! Don’t give up. Let them have a break and try again!
7- Hype up your experience – Start talking about the photoshoot with your child and say how exciting it is going to be! Start having them practice their “cheese” or smile face! Get them excited about the experience. And hey, maybe you can even bribe them with a toy or treat afterwards. That’s one way to hype up any experience with a toddler.
8- Be candid and have fun – Your favorite photos that the photographer will most likely be the real and candid shots. Photos of you laughing at your kids, or with your kids. Be sure to take a deep breath and enjoy these moments with your toddlers and kids.
COLOR SCHEMES TO FOLLOW
I got all of these fun color schemes to follow via Pinterest.
1- Stick to 4-5 Colors – When picking a color scheme try to add in more than 3 colors. Have fun with the colors. Have more neutral colors. Chambray and denim are great choices for boys and men. Soft pinks and oranges are always a favorite of mine and mixed with a contrast color like a dark green. You can see a few color schemes that you can follow below.
2- Have fun with Prints and Patterns – But don’t get too pattern crazy. Be sure to have someone in your family in a solid color. But having a fun simple print or pattern really brings texture to the group. Just keep in mind trends. Don’t choose a print that’s too bold or trendy. Try to keep things simple and timeless.
3- Use different shades of denim – For Brandon or I, I personally only love if ONE of us wears denim. If we are both wearing denim, I am sure to use different shades. Maybe dark denim for Brandon and light denim for me. Too much of the same shade of denim can all blend together too much.
4- Wear Layers – Wear jackets, blazers, cardigans or vests. This is just a super simple way you can add more color and texture to the photos
What are you tips for taking family photos with toddlers? Share in a comment below!
xo, Camilla
